Saraki Urges PDP to End Lawsuits, Hold Fresh National Convention

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to end ongoing legal disputes over the party’s national convention and focus on organizing a new, INEC-compliant convention.

The appeal came in a statement on Tuesday via Saraki’s media office, following a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld earlier judgments invalidating the PDP convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025.

“The Court of Appeal has ruled. With the revised INEC timetable, it is obvious that there is no time to wait for the Supreme Court decision,” Saraki said.

He warned that prolonged litigation could jeopardize the chances of PDP members seeking to contest the 2027 elections.

“If our goal is to protect the prospects of our members who wish to contest elections, this consideration should be our priority,” he added.

Saraki emphasized that political parties exist to provide platforms for candidates, and internal disputes should not undermine this purpose. He urged party leaders to set aside personal interests and prioritize the collective future of the PDP.

“At this stage, egos have been bruised. Leaders should rise above personal interests and serve the larger common good,” he said.

He also called for dialogue and compromise among party stakeholders to organize an inclusive national convention that would produce widely accepted leadership.

The Court of Appeal ruling follows months of legal battles, with the appellate court affirming that the Federal High Court had jurisdiction to invalidate the Ibadan convention. The court barred INEC from recognizing the convention’s outcome, including the emergence of Taminu Turaki as PDP national chairman.

The disputed convention also suspended several party officials, including the National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, over alleged anti-party activities. Aggrieved members argued that the convention violated the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the PDP constitution.

Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam noted that the party failed to comply with constitutional requirements, including proper notice to INEC and valid congresses in more than 14 states prior to the convention.

The ruling marks a significant step in resolving the PDP’s internal crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.